Written from the studies on PubMed, searched on 2026. nov. 11.. Every number below comes from a study listed under Sources.
The claim
Posts online say that omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) helps with endometriosis.
Where research stands
We found 16 published papers on omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and endometriosis. They were published between 1988 and 2026. 1 of them is a study in people. 1 of them compared people who got it with a group that did not. 7 were studies in animals, and 2 were only in cells in the lab. 2 papers are reviews that sum up other studies.
- 1In people1 with a comparison group
- 7In animals
- 2Only in the lab
What the studies found
We have not summed up these studies in words yet. The most important papers are listed under Sources.
Verdict
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) has been tested in randomised trials in people with endometriosis.
What this means for you: A study in people is not proof that it helps you. Do not stop or change your medicines because of it. Ask your doctor before you start taking it.
Sources
- A two-arm parallel double-blind randomised controlled pilot trial of the efficacy of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the treatment of women with endometriosis-associated pain (PurFECT1).2020 · PLoS One · Randomised trial
- Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid on endometriosis.2025 · Clinics (Sao Paulo) · Review
- The effect of two anti-inflammatory dietary components, omega-3 and resveratrol, on endometriosis.2024 · Ginekol Pol · Review
- Efficacies of vitamin D and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on experimental endometriosis.2016 · Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol · In animals
- The anti-inflammatory impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated Fatty acids during the establishment of endometriosis-like lesions.2014 · Am J Reprod Immunol · In animals
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated Fatty acids suppress the cystic lesion formation of peritoneal endometriosis in transgenic mouse models.2013 · PLoS One · In animals
- Dietary fish oil supplementation inhibits formation of endometriosis-associated adhesions in a chimeric mouse model.2013 · Fertil Steril · In animals
- Oral eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation as possible therapy for endometriosis.2008 · Fertil Steril · In animals
- [Effect of dietary supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid on surgically induced endometriosis in the rabbit].1992 · Nihon Sanka Fujinka Gakkai Zasshi · In animals
- Omega-3 fatty acids and L-carnitine prevent meiotic oocyte damage induced by follicular fluid from infertile women with endometriosis: an experimental study.2023 · JBRA Assist Reprod · In the lab
- High omega-3:omega-6 fatty acid ratios in culture medium reduce endometrial-cell survival in combined endometrial gland and stromal cell cultures from women with and without endometriosis.2001 · Fertil Steril · In the lab
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and pain, inflammatory cytokines, and quality of life in endometriosis.2026 · Front Nutr · Other paper
- Correction: A two-arm parallel double-blind randomised controlled pilot trial of the efficacy of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the treatment of women with endometriosis-associated pain (PurFECT1).2020 · PLoS One · Other paper
- Differences in omega-3 and fatty acid profiles between patients with endometriosis and those with a functional ovarian cyst.2013 · J Obstet Gynaecol · Other paper
- Evaluation of the relationship between endometriosis and omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids.2012 · Iran Biomed J · Other paper
